BACK TO SCHOOL CONTEST: Win An Awesome Solar Book Bag!

Get ready for school with our back-to-school green giveaway contest!

Fall is just around the corner, and students everywhere are getting ready to go back to school. To get into the autumnal school spirit and help our readers green their back-to-school regime, we’re running a contest on this site to give away an AWESOME solar powered bag by NoonSolar, stuffed with eco-friendly back-to-school goodies like recycled paper notebooks, erasers and pencils. Our back-to-school goody bag is worth over $500, and it’s a really sweet prize that can be all yours, if you enter our contest. Here’s how:

RUNNERS UP

Five runner-ups will receive an Inhabitat T-shirt (or tote bag) of your choice. Made from soft organic cotton and printed using eco-friendly water-based inks, they’re just the thing for hitting the books in style.

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161 Comments

I need this back because I recently lost my job. I am an architect and claim that I am a green cool architect who designs spaces with the Green attitude and I can stand out of the line only when they realize that I just don’t think Green but I live Green.

I need this bag also because if there are last minute changes I need to make to my CV and portfolio I could always use my iPhone to update it but what if it was low on battery. This bag will then be my only way out to charge it and get my life back on track.

I need this bag because This Bag needs me more than I do. I am attending like 5 to 6 architectural job interviews every week so if I win this bag I will take it with me and show it to people who are interviewing me and people who would be waiting in line outside. This will inspire them to also buy such a bag or put it on their wish list. More people get to know, the more we make this life green.

twistedskewSeptember 1, 2009 at 8:27 pm

I don’t want to win this bag. (I love it’s classy design though !)
Simply delivering it would consume a lot of fuel and contribute to polluting the environment just that little bit more.
We all live in a vicious circle of choices

andrewmartzSeptember 1, 2009 at 8:16 pm

I ask for this bag because I wish to donate it to an underprivileged student whose family can not afford even the most rudimentary backpack or school supplies without otherwise sacrificing what limited resources it has to spend on basic nutrition needs. This bag will serve a utilitarian function, but also inspire a student not only by the grace of human generosity, but also to further explore the scientific principles upon which this technology is built. For this reason, I ask that you choose me as a winner of your contest.

Thank you.

Andrew F. Martz

rkmelissaSeptember 1, 2009 at 8:14 pm

Life as an urban teacher is a strange one – you are always buying materials for students and there are times when you leave the most important person off of the shopping list – I am in NEED of of some sunshine in the form of a Solar Bag and what teacher wouldn’t love the paper, pens, and notebooks! I can’t promise that I wouldn’t give the materials to a student if he or she was in need.

andrewmartzSeptember 1, 2009 at 8:13 pm

I ask for this bag because I wish to donate it to an underprivileged student whose family can not afford even the most rudimentary backpack or school supplies without otherwise sacrificing what limited resources it has to spend on basic nutrition needs. For this reason, I ask that you choose me as a winner of your contest.

Thank you.

Andrew F. Martz

jmdemSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:59 pm

ooh ooh ooh pick me
it will be a win-win-win-win-win
A. I will have a sweet, green 30th birthday present to give my husband
B. My husband will be spared my constant nagging to unplug his chargers from the walls
C. My daughters will be so busy fighting over the goodies inside the bag, they’ll forget all about the Wii
E. Our chickens will enjoy the organic feed we’ll be able to afford for them with all the money we’ll save on back-to-school supplies and electricity bills
D. The contest judges will have the zen-like feeling of having helped a young eco-conscious family be a little bit greener
Thank you! and good luck everyone!

karmenushiSeptember 1, 2009 at 10:17 am

Since 5th grade, when i first became a member of an ecological NGO, i became aware of our duty to take care of nature, and from that point on i dedicated a bit of my time with volunteer work for the environment. My friends know me as an eco person, because i always am the one who wants to walk, instead of going by car, the one who keeps the garbage in her bag, for no matther how long, until we find a garbage bin and so on.
Next year i will get my degree in Architecture, and i plan to change the way people see Sustainable Architecture in my country. It would be a real pleasure to make the first drawings for my sustainable designs on the recycled paper notebooks! The NoonSolar bag would help me so much, because it would be the ace up my sleeve in commencing my career, allowing me to do my work regardless of where i am. It would also reconfirm my beliefs about the environment. I would really like to win these because i’d like to “become the change i want to see in the world”.

Thank you!

smell the sunAugust 31, 2009 at 7:14 pm

I need this bag to keep me from going crazy in the morning from lack of charge in my ipod. Without it I wouldn’t be able to survive the ride to school, espcially the days when its dark out and everybody’s acting like they just got out of there graves. (Except one kid who doesn’t know the definition to the word quiet, then I use it to tune him out).
The bag would defenitly come in handy carrying around books to and from classes. Not only would it be be a necesity it would be awesome to walk down the hall with one of a noonsolar’s bags on my shoulder. It would definatly make school more enjoyable knowing that I had this lustrous bag with be to brighten up my day.

liz13fwwmAugust 31, 2009 at 6:14 pm

My Inhabitat back-to-school haiku:

As fall changes paths
Preservation school
starts anew for me

I’m entering a graduate program in historic preservation and very much looking forward to making a difference in the world (and buildings) we live in. I’ll also be riding my bike to school and the bag and supplies would be a great start to my new adventure. Thanks Inhabitat.

elee7370August 31, 2009 at 12:56 pm

1. So that I may decrease my ever increasing electricity bills!
2. So that I may write/draw out my ideas, thoughts, research without going negative on my bank account!
=)

jodiemirAugust 31, 2009 at 12:28 pm

I need this bag to make sure that I always have power to my phone and other devices while traveling. As a women the safety that mobile connectivity and access to information provides is essential. I also want to promote Green living and environmental awareness and having this bag will provide ample opportunity for me to infuse these “ideals” in others.

Caroline SAugust 31, 2009 at 1:50 am

I do need this georgeous bag because it simply compliment my look, I think that compliments will shower me whenever i am carrying it (always….:)…)
So can’t wait to won it
Caroline

lifebesweetAugust 30, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Thanks for taking the time and energy to read all these comments.

I suppose the importance here is not necessarily who gets the bag, but simply spreading the idea that we need to progress in a more sustainable direction as a society. In that sense, the contest, the blog, and the website are all wonderful means of increasing awareness of eco-friendly technology.

As an MIT student, I would love a bag like this. Not only would it be appreciated by me, it would also spread the idea of sustainable design. It’s time to make the green movement more than just an esoteric idea and more of a mass revolution. And where better to start than the heart of innovative technology in America’s universities?

Thank you for considering me as a candidate.
-Linda

ecoloverAugust 30, 2009 at 4:32 pm

It would be GREAT if i got a bag like this. This is only bag i know that has solar panels and is stylish( or maybe I haven’t done my research right). This bag would actually(!!!!!) motivate me to wake up earlier and walk to school so I can get my phone or i-pod charging. I am pretty active; I do sports after school and I have a once-a-week internship where I teach kids about the environment. So, I get home in the late evening and end up charging my phone/ i-pod through the night. If I won this bag, I know that I won’t be waking up at night because my i-pod burst into flames while charging, cause there would be no need to do that anymore! I currently take public transportation everywhere and a dead i-pod would NOT be fun!!! I would also be saving money which i could use to buy a bike!

sweet143August 29, 2009 at 9:57 pm

WOW GReat giveaway!! hope i win this! i need to win this because one its really cool, i am going to collage and i am broke to even buy clothes, i love eco friendly stuff, i travel alot and even if i dont win the grand prize i think the small ones are preety cool too especially the tote bag!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! and more than that this is a preety cool website! oh i really hope to win this. i am even fallowing you on twitter : @sweet814

Cosmo555August 29, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Everytime I get out of school my battery for my phone and Laptop are dead. I walk home which takes 45 minutes. I live in Vegas where the sun is out most of the time. I could use that bag to give my phone a quick charge. Pleaseeeeee give me that bag. It would be so awesome.

drejtoAugust 29, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Hey Inhabitatants,

First off, that Noon Solar bag rocks. I would absolutely buy it to sport while biking around my campus in Providence, but being a poor Environmental Science major who’s spent all his money on necessary, but decidedly eco-unfriendly electronics and textbooks, I could never afford it.

Still, I do dream of toting this bag either through winning the lottery and buying it, or by winning it here which is a much more likely scenario (hint hint, nudge nudge). In these wonderful dreams I turn my old backpack into a modern art exhibit with used textbooks, whittled-down pencils, emptied pens and last year’s notebooks dangling from it by Caution tape to illustrate the unnecesary material demand placed on students by professors today when everything can be done with computers instead and to encourage reuse in place of recycling. (Keep in mind that this could only possibly happen if I had a Noon Solar bag). Now at the opening of this exhibit, which would likely happen at RISD, my university’s neighboring arts college, I would wear a sleek white suit to accentuate the Black Sawyer bag that I would obviously be wearing and prove to all the rich hipsters at my school and the art exhibit that style and eco-consciousness can go hand-in-hand – that they too could look as cool as me if instead of spending their parent’s money on another pair of skinny Diesel jeans and a $70 haircut, they could spend it on a sweet and hip solar bag and begin their transition towards eco-hipsterness.

So why do I NEED this bag? So that this dream of mine can one day be a reality and, in all seriousness, so that I can finally charge my iPod without opening my computer and hooking the two up. As I’m sure you know, that can be SUCH a pain.

Thanks, I hope I win, but whether I do or not I’ll continue telling all my friends about Inhabitat and sharing your most interesting articles/posts with them

thecatenelsonAugust 29, 2009 at 10:17 am

My stepdaughter and I BOTH need these, both for school and to sustainably charge up through the day. (Plus, when you’re a mom of little guys, you constantly forget to charge the cell. You’re lucky if you can find it at times!

dawns41August 29, 2009 at 8:40 am

We are trying to go Green here in many ways. Winning this bag would certainly be another step in our green efforts. We have been recycling, using reusable grocery bags, energy appliances, cfl lightbulbs, solar outside lights, composting, etc. We also are putting in a home orchard and have a veggie garden.

Our goal is solar panels or wind turbine.
Email subscriber here.

nexialAugust 28, 2009 at 11:22 pm

After a ten year hiatus I am returning to university to do my PhD in climate change adaptive capacity in Australia. I think the Noon Solar bag would be a great conversation starter and nice segue to a discussion on eco-design and the environment. It has a lot of style and nerdy techno geeks like me could use some help in that department. Not to mention a little shameless promo for Inhabitat too!

sarhawyAugust 28, 2009 at 11:21 pm

i deserve to win this bag coz i m travel too much and i go to many places that there is no eleictric power or any civilised technologie so i need this bag to charge my my torch to light on the place , charge my cellphone to make my lover sure that i m still alive and to charge my laptop with the usb modem to reache your fabulous site that ican’t live without .

but the way i work now as an architect when i have a good project that deserve a good thinking i go to the desert or the sea and have some look and photos that incorrage me to have inspiration and some ideas and sketches so i think if i have a portable electric source with me it will make me finish my work at any place that i want with the same inspiration so i have a portable office.

waitin for a reply

greenspanAugust 28, 2009 at 7:09 pm

Why I deserve the NoonSolar totebag over anyone else here:

a) I’m keeping this simple.
b) I will help you market your website, I have many secrets up my sleeves and network connections in my pocket.
c)My name is Alan Greenspan.
d)I am moving to the Holy Land, Jerusalem, in 2 days for a 6 month internship helping a company market and sell alternative energy products from wind turbines(I’ll help with installations as well) to hydro to wave power, to finally graduate from Arizona State University (GREAT for your marketing***) with a degree in Business and Sociology.
e) I really don’t need it more than anyone else here…soo….
f) only G-d will eventually choose what clicks in your hearts and minds to choose who wins
g)I took many classes in psychology, and even me posting this has inputted some information into the readers minds to flip some switches to grant knowledge and wisdom into life.

hhhhhh I can’t wait to have my own self sustainable treehouse….in Israel…

HarinderAugust 28, 2009 at 7:02 pm

Hi ! I would be extremely grateful if I was able to win this. I am a subscriber and newsletter subsciber, Facebook fan and a Twitter follower. I love the environment. I love the Mother Earth. I love our world.

I would be elated to win this! I need this because there are no eco-friendly supplies sellers near me! I hate buying the regular supplies because I know how much that harms our environment. I want to do my part. It would be AMAZING to win this. I could use most of the supplies and I’ll give some away. I campaign a lot for going green and stopping Global Warming so I can give people a little reminder so they can remember to go green. I want to tell our mayor that we should have an Environmental Club and these supplies would help in petitioning.

The bag and school supplies look excellent. I’m actually a student going back to school so this would be extremely helpful. I love how the notebook says “RESCUED PAPER NOTEBOOK”. This is likely to be a conversation starter and a great ice breaker because I’m going to be attending a new school.

Most of all, the bag, school supplies and shirt are GREAT ways of getting the message out there. Many people don’t know or don’t care about the environment. I do. Everyone and everything is being affected by Global Warming. GO GREEN! xoxo hurricaneharinder@yahoo.com

olleiAugust 28, 2009 at 1:19 pm

I live in a big city
this is a big city
my life is kind tricky

I run to my school
then I run to my job
I run to a party
then I run to my apartment

I running to my school
(with my green bag)
I running to my job
(I may need green notebooks to write)
I run to a party
(may need a green pencil, so I write phones with it)
I run to my apartment
(with a green smile, green fantastic!)

I running to my school
(with my green bag)
I running to my job
(I may need green notebooks to write)
I run to a party
(may need a green pencil, so I write phones with it)
I run to my apartment
(with a green smile, green fantastic!)

I want to be green
so I can make a green city!
(tu-tu-pauch-tu-tu-tu-pauch)

NOTE: I’ll record this hip-hop song, once I get my bag, so I can get my lap charged

creatingcarrieAugust 28, 2009 at 8:37 am

This fall am starting my studies to get my Master’s in International Affairs, so this bag would be a great tool to take with me both to class and to the other countries I will be working in. How amazing will be not to have to wrory about converters or where I’m going to find an energy source? I am also a nut for the environment (as can be attested by everyone in my office), and I am constantly showing people new ways to work toward a thriving natural world rather than just a sustainable one. I imagine with this bag, the conversation will go something like this:

THEM: Hey! What’s that amazing and super hip bag you got there?
ME: Oh, this? Well, this is amazing! It’s true! And if by super hip, you mean solar powered to keep me energized, charged up and ready to go all day, you are also right!
THEM: Solar powered? Like you can plug your stuff in to it.
ME: Yead, dude. I never have to find an outlet.
THEM: Dude. That is just too cool. I don’t even know what to say.
ME: I know! When I saw it at Inhabitat.com, I had to have one. I mean, who doesn’t need a readily available energy source hanging off their shoulder?
THEM: No one that I would be friends with.
ME: Exactly.
THEM: I need to get one. What was that website again? [Takes out pad of paper and pen]
ME: How about I just show you? [Takes out Mac and goes to the site]
THEM: Yo. That’s awesome. I’m going to order one right now. Thank you!
ME: Don’t thank me, thank Inhabitat!
BOTH: Thanx, Inhabitat! You are teh awesome!

Then I’ll be off to class, solar energized and ready to save the world, passer-by at a time.

afuaAugust 28, 2009 at 8:32 am

the first time i saw this bag, i got so excited and called my husband over! Look baby! What a cool idea! Doesnt it just make so much sense?!!? In his MOST unexcited voice, he says “I don’t get it”. So, unhampered, I press on, explain the image…which I hadn’t bothered to do before…and anxiously awaited the growing smile and excitement to match my own. In his MOST unconvinced voice, he says “Why would you need that”. So now, slightly dampened, I tried to give examples of when you might need power on the go. He never got excited.

a few days later, at little league soccer practice, he complained outloud that his phone was dying. “AHA!!! Wouldn’t this be a perfect time to have carried our solar bag?” He smiled. I felt triumphant. He totally recycles now. Now, for the rest of the neighborhood.

i need your solar bag because in my community, there isn’t much focus on sustainability. even though i work as an architectural sustainable design consultant, there isn’t a significant impact on minority communities…who are at a grass roots level, largely unmoved by the movement. this bag would help me with my cause…changing the REST of the world, one person at a time.

madwaxerAugust 28, 2009 at 6:17 am

I walk a lot and listen to a lot of music on my cell phone to pass time away on the buses and taxis.
its great cuz i can also listen to podcasts too and stay charged. Then i won’t have to worry about keeping charged in Accra Ghana.
if i could attach a small fan it’d b heaven on earth!

gpsdesignAugust 28, 2009 at 5:36 am

Hey , I think I am the one, whom it suits best!!!
I need this because…
I am a fresher designer as well as architect and now i am planning to do some course in eco-friendly Products. I like to work on green architecture and products. And i need something, which always gives me inspiration to work on that field.and i think noon solar bag can be one, because i always carry bag.
I am very much freak about my design that’s why I always forgot to charge my mobile and other gadgets. So it can help me a lot.
I live in a composite climate region…with only three seasons, hot season (winter), very hot season (rainy), and extremely hot season (summer). So there is very large amount of sun’s UV light is available for charging.

dahope01August 28, 2009 at 12:18 am

I am back to school after 10 years. It is daunting to say the least. School looks the same, but all of the students got a whole lot younger. This first week of school may well have been one of the most difficult of weeks of my life. I can’t believe I actually have another entire day left before the relief of Saturday is here. Working full time with a family … I am exhausted!

I just bought my husband – who is also in school – and both of my sons brand new backpacks, but on our budget, I can’t afford to buy myself one. I am using an old backpack – one that I hate – and am in great need of a new one.

We do all we can to be eco-conscious, but never am sure if it is enough. I often feel like a character in the show THE GOODE FAMILY. Their hearts are in the right place, but they don’t really know what they are doing! With this book bag, I KNOW I will be making a difference! Albeit a small difference, it will feel really good and I’ll bet I will make friends on campus with a great bag to talk about!

merrydeathstarAugust 28, 2009 at 12:18 am

I am so completely uncool that the only way I can even hope to avoid pariah status is to have a solar powered bag.

bethanne616August 27, 2009 at 9:47 pm

I need this gorgeous solar bag because I am a dead broke grad student who is in a sustainability masters program and all of the fabulous products that I should get to know are way too expensive. How can I educate the masses on their options and make solar power seem accessible if I can’t get some hands on time?

btworldAugust 27, 2009 at 9:00 pm

Okay…I have a daughter who wants this bag and I can’t afford to buy it. I am not sure if any of you have teenage daughters but it is very hard to say no to them. She is wearing me down daily and I don’t know if I will survive. Daughters have a special torture technique that they secretly obtained from the CIA. No, not water boarding. It is something much worse…the silent stare and pathetic sigh. With each interaction it gets worse and worse. Please help me before it is too late!

Also, we live in the valley of the sun…Phoenix! As you can imagine a bag like this would be very useful here. If we win, we might consider finding a way to power a misting device to keep us cool on hot days. We have also considered selling the cool mist to parched Arizonans. Basically, this is an awesome bag (which you already know) and she has wanted one since she laid eyes on it. If I could give it to her I would be thrilled and you would totally be saving my life.

jakethejakeAugust 27, 2009 at 8:19 pm

There are many reasons why I NEED this NoonSolar back-to-school bag. First and foremost, there is school. I’m going into my 4th year in my civil engineering program, and I’ll be working on my senior project this academic year. Without this senior project, I can’t graduate and then go out and save the world from polluted water. But before we focus too much on the future, let me tell you about the present.

My school has a goal of sustainability in it’s mission for all of its students. Not only is educating others about sustainability a great mission, but it’s also at the heart of why I need this bag. The students at my school are very involved in sustainability, and when they see my walking on campus with my regular, boring, non-NoonSolar backpack, they laugh at me. “What kind of engineer wears a backpack that won’t generate its own power?” they cry. “I bet it’s full of PVC!” they sneer. In this critical year of academic study, I can’t afford to worry about my peers and their harsh criticisms of my current backpack. If they distract me with their remarks, I might not have the best brainpower for my senior project, which means that I won’t be able to keep drinking water clean and keep everyone feeling awesome. Do you understand my situation? By giving me this amazing, beautiful NoonSolar bag full of green school supplies, you help to bring the world closer to a green reality. You don’t want me to fail my senior project, do you?

In addition to being a hard-working student, I’m also a big fan of technology. Having a NoonSolar bag would be excellent, since my cell phone, iPod, and computer all require electricity. While I can text and do goofy stuff with my electronics, I also email other students and do research. At the very least, I listen to techno trance music while I work with complex equations (it helps me focus). If my gizmos were to run low on battery, my academic performance would be hindered. You don’t want my batteries to die, do you? I mean, I could charge all of my electronics at home or get spare batteries, but not 100% of my electricity at home comes from renewables, and we really shouldn’t create more waste with all those batteries, right?

Even if I were only chosen to receive an Inhabitat tee or tote bag, I would be honored to represent Inhabitat on a campus that is so excited about sustainability and innovation. Clearly, the reasons above seem a little silly, but please know that I would be very grateful for a bag that not only looks cool and can hold all of my gadgets and books, but also says, “Hey guys, I’m devoted to the environment and life is great!”

I am constantly on assignment and my electronic gadget have batteries that can’t keep up with me. I had a Hy-Mini Solar charger and the solar panel fried out so it only works if I plug it in, which defeats the point. I wind up plugging my iphone into my laptop which then drains the energy of the laptop. All of my work is done on my laptop and online. I bought a solar backpack but it didn’t charge my laptop so I quickly returned it. Now I wish I even had that so I can charge the phone on the go.

If there is only one prize to be awarded, it should really go to someone who can prove they are enrolled in school full- time. (That’s not me, I am only in online web courses.) The contest is a great idea. Wonderful prize Inhabitat.

I hate having to plug in all the time when I am working on assignments. My phone dies, so I plug it into my laptop which drains the battery. I am in sunshine all the time and the solar panel on my Hy-Mini charger is no longer working. But if there is only one prize, it should really go to a student who can show proof that they are enrolled in school. I am only enrolled in online courses for web – which by the way, drains my battery. Great prize!

gpsidAugust 27, 2009 at 7:14 pm

Hey , I think I am the one, whom it suits best!!!
I need this because…
1) I am a designer as well as architect and I like to work on green architecture and products. But I need some examples to agree my clients, why these types of products are beneficial to them and for earth. And I think noon solar bag can be one of the best examples for my clients, because I always carry a bag.
2) I am very much freak about my design that’s why I always forgot to charge my mobile and other gadgets. So it can help me a lot.
3) I live in a composite climate region…with only three seasons, hot season (winter), very hot season (rainy), and extremely hot season (summer). So there is very large amount of sun’s UV light is available for charging.

thanks

deepseasAugust 27, 2009 at 7:03 pm

I would like to win a solar tote bag for my daughter who is now attending college at UNLV. She moved to Las Vegas with my 4-year old granddaughter in a strange city. She’s on a limited income, yet would be safer with this tote to power up her cell phone and laptop. With her busy schedule, she often forgets to charge up her phone. This would ease my mind knowing she can get help wherever she is with ready access to a phone charger. Off course, there would be no excuses not to call me, right?

gpsidAugust 27, 2009 at 7:03 pm

Hey , I think I am the one, whom it suits best!!!
I need this because…
1) I am a designer as well as architect and I like to work on green architecture and products. But I need some examples to agree my clients, why these types of products are beneficial to them and for earth. And I think noon solar bag can be one of the best examples for my clients, because I always carry a bag.
2) I am very much freak about my design that’s why I always forgot to charge my mobile and other gadgets. So it can help me a lot.
3) I live in a composite climate region…with only three seasons, hot season (winter), very hot season (rainy), and extremely hot season (summer). So there is very large amount of sun’s UV light is available for charging.

thanks…

fernandotripAugust 27, 2009 at 5:38 pm

I need this messenger bag because I plan to create an army of solar-powered robot mailmen. They will obviously extract their energy from the sun and because they need to carry letters and envelops, a messenger bag is necessary. I promise that I’ll do my best to teach them to deliver Inhabitat’s mail first, but since they will be independent humanoids based purely on their free will, I cannot guarantee this. Sorry about that.
Thanks.

FrankTheTankAugust 27, 2009 at 5:23 pm

I need this bag because I need ANOTHER reason to tan… ALL the time… instead of locking myself up in studio, I’d like to show my archy teachers the importance of sustainability through relaxation. They can’t force me to slave away in studio all day when I’m teaching them such an important life lesson! =P

MARKIEAMARKAugust 27, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Simple,

I am a solar gadget nut (some may say freak) and I have a solar phone charger, solar light, assorted electronic gadgets and I help with the Durango Slar Roller Children’s Museum Exihbit. I always have a laptop (I support a hospital) and cell phone and a gadget or two and a bag like this would help me keep in touch with the Museum, Hospital and my children (Kevyn and Sam).
This bag would see plenty of use in Durango with my walking, riding and hiking here as well as rafting.
I am always walking to the Durango Public Library and now have an e-book (sony) as well which also needs power.

Please consider my request for the Noon Solar Bag as it would get plenty of discussion amongst peers and friends as I’m always called the Walmart Greeter or Town Crier.

Thank You!

Mark

iAMtinaAugust 27, 2009 at 2:36 pm

HeYHeY! i would so LOVE to SURPRISE my 13 year old daughter, Zoe Luna Phoenix with this bag + it’s arsenal of green goodies so she can demonstrate the green possibilities @ middle school this year.

Whitney Houston, you said it in the 80′s and it’s still ringing true >>~> “I believe the children are the future .. teach them well and let them lead the way .. show them all the beauty they possess inside (the NOON solar bag)”

I like to encourage Zoe to put her good looks and popularity to proper use by setting an example for the future generation.

: )

love tina

helen.son1August 27, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Plz, plz, plz, plz, PLEASE!

I NEED this prize because I am just starting university to study Sustainable Design and Innovation, I live in England and am from a poor family background so have to pay for everything myself. For me to succeed I need to promote eco-friendly products and am set to change my lifestyle to ensure that everything I do has a positive effect on climate change. For example not flushing toilet after a wee, always pulling out plugs from the mains, buying clothes from charity shops, recycling everything I can!.

Armed with a Noon Solar bag whereby I can charge my mobile and ipod day and night and keep up to date and share all the latest pods and blogs. I will then be able to transform into a designer that will be able to make ethical design decisions and creatively produce products/ materials/ services which have a conscience.

Ultimately then being able to join the growing army that has formed to help save planet Earth from the destruction of the consumer lifestyle that we live, for the future of our lives and many more to come.

Please give this brilliant bag to the little solider that wants to make a big difference.

Conner.JonesAugust 27, 2009 at 2:28 pm

At this time, I noticed there are many similarities in the comments, I will list them in no particular order.

1. The contestants are environmentally aware and technologically savvy.
2. A majority of the contestants are college students in design or environment related fields.
3. The contestants all love the concept of “free” and the thrill of possibly winning a contest.
4. A majority of the contestants have carefully planned out a convincing argument.
5. The Apple ipod and iphone have been mentioned a total of 17 times.
6. The term “green” has been spoken of 31 times.

How do I stand out from the crowd?
Where’s my heart wrenching story?
Do the overlords of the decision making game even care?

Here’s my statement:
I am a transfer student to Columbia College Chicago, finally pursuing my graphic design degree.
I commute on the public transportation every day for a couple of hours.
I am a proud new parent of a baby girl.
I am a hardcore vegan, with a passion gourmet cooking.
I am interested in sustainable gardening and eating local.
I am a technology addict with an obsession with electronic music.
I love dumpster diving for food and goodies for my family.

Overall,
I feel like a pretty good candidate for the bag.
If not, I would love that t-shirt, earth-tones are my color.

ApparatusAugust 27, 2009 at 1:35 pm

It’s not even a matter of wanting this bag, I NEED this bag. Now I don’t have any fluffy stories about this or that (I am not a vegetarian and I don’t really feel the need to stick it to my fellow classmates, annoying as though they may be!) but I can assure you that I’d be head over heels in love with this thing if it were to arrive on my doorstep in an unassuming package. I’d literally beam! Like the sun….That’s really the best I can do for the enviro-puns.

I’m going back to school to finally pursue a degree in something I can be both passionate and proud of. In the meantime since then, I’ve found a gig blogging and writing about cell phones and other tech. This often requires me to be out and about around the city with no power socket in sight. And it’s not only bad the environment, but a huge pain to try and find the nearest socket to feed my addiction.

Now, I’m a modern fellow, an urban young whippersnapper, and sadly the trappings of modernity follow me wherever I go. We’re talking MacBook Pro, phone(s), camera(s), and various other gadgets that cry “Food! Food! Food!” literally every second of the day.

Once school hits, I’ll be screwed. This bag will solve so many of the problems I see coming down the pipeline for myself it’s not even funny. Not only is it awesome tech, but it’s great for the environment to boot. How can you not love that?

Not only will it be cool to carry this wicked bag down the streets of Chicago, but when people stop and ask, I’ll be sure and tell them all about what it can do and more importantly, where it came from (huh? HUH? *nudge nudge*).

Truth be told, I’m not as smarmy as this post might have led you to believe. But there’s no way I’d ever be able to afford this thing, now or probably ever, and it would solve so many of my problems. So like Oliver Twist before me all I can do is approach you slowly and cautiously, with arms outstretched, holding a bowl of power adapters and whimper, “Please sir, may I have more some solar renewable energy?”

Doesn’t quite roll off the tongue though really.

supataweyAugust 27, 2009 at 12:43 pm

I am like the sun, I irradiate warmthness to everybody (and I am HOT!). If I have the NoonSolar bag, I can probably go off-grid and wonder in this world spreading my knowledge, warmth, & love.
I am a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University. I am doing research in organic solar cells, and I plan to spread my knowledge about solar technology.

Trey.LordAugust 27, 2009 at 12:40 pm

I need this bag because I can’t seem to keep my blackberry charged. I work full-time for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC doing International Climate policy, and am taking classes at night towards a dual masters in global environmental policy and sustainable development. In addition to this, I race sailboats semi-professionally on the weekends out of Annapolis, volunteer in various community groups around DC, and have an active social life. I manage my busy schedule on my blackberry, but cannot keep the damn thing charged. In an effort to keep my carbon footprint low, I charge my phone primarily at home where I know my power is supplied by the three PV panels and one solar thermal panels on my roof. On the few occasions I use my car (mostly to get out to Annapolis to sail on the weekends) I charge it from the battery which is fed from a solar panel I have installed on my windshield. However, I spend a great deal of time biking around DC, and having this bag which help me keep the phone constantly charged as I commute to and from work, to and from class, to and from my various other activities. In addition to that, I also would love to have a fresh supply of green school supplies to use in class, and to use at work.

dan.lecocqAugust 27, 2009 at 12:37 pm

I just started graduate school life this month in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (a far cry from my home of Colorado), and I’d feel better about being a career computer scientist / technophile if I could power all my consumer electronics with the sun.

My campus (KAUST) is pursuing the LEED Platinum certification and following suit, I’m hoping to learn to live an equally-technologically-rich-but-sustainable lifestyle. From biking everywhere instead of driving to buying locally, I’d like to live the green dream!

LisaRigneyAugust 27, 2009 at 12:11 pm

I would love love love to own any of the items in your give away! I had the wonderful opportunity to meet the women who started the Noon Solar company last year on a quest to find other designers interested in sustainable fashion like me in Chicago. For a fashion student who is always looking for the most cutting edge sustainable design from which I can be inspired, it was hard for me to not fall in love with these bags, as well as the Noon Solar company. Such a beautiful story behind the materials of the bags, and such a wonderful evolution to what started as an art project! If I were to receive one of these bags as a gift, it would replace my old lime green backpack I bring into the fashion department everyday. It does the job well, but my fellow fashionista schoolmates make ruthless jokes, questioning its integrity. The bag is strong and faithful in all its tattered lime green glory, but the poor thing could use a break. (or a new home on a third-graders back where it would most adequately belong) Another way the Noon Solar bag would improve my life is by keeping my 3 year old cell phone alive for more than a few hours at a time. I decided as an advocate for sustainable design, it would be hypocritical of me to trade in my cell phone if the one I have still functions fine. I’m currently holding out until Verizon offers a phone with a low carbon footprint. So as a result, the battery on my phone is worn thin and serves as an answering machine more than a correspondence device. I can’t imagine how much it would change my life, having the ability to charge my phone all day on energy from the sun! Furthermore, the Noon Solar bag would bring more purpose to my mile long walk to school every day. I can assure that it will add a sufficient amount of bounce to my step, knowing that I have my own source of power being charged on my shoulder. Thank you for giving us students an opportunity to win something of such value. Value more than it’s material worth!

Best,
Lisa

shrawanramAugust 27, 2009 at 11:01 am

Wow It’s amazing bag. It’s the use of the new technology and the use of the science. The fossils fuel is getting lesser a day by day, it’s helps to save our fuel energy and our enviroment and our single Earth. It shows the use of energy of new generation, and message for the furture who is depeds upon the fossils fuels. This the go green and most sustainable. I never heard this kind of bag before. It has used bt the limitation of the solar panels. It’s the wow kind of thing. I want this bag so much and i can show this bad to all my friends,family, clubs, office , others,…etc. It is the great oppertunity to exchage knowledge. I love this bag so much…..

shrawanramAugust 27, 2009 at 10:43 am

Wow it so amazing bag. It’s the message all over to world. By the day by day the fossils fuel is becoming less. it is the great change to save the energy and use renewable enegry and show the use of it. It’s show the use area of the solar panels . I never think that much of use of solar energy. It will be the great bag for me when the load shedding is going on my place. Load shedding no problems.
This will be the another great change to show to my friends, family , office, clubs…etc..
This will be the greatest thing in my life. Wow, I like to win this Bag……

hb.watermelonAugust 27, 2009 at 10:09 am

I need to win his absolutely awesome NoonSolar bag. I am an industrial design student at Metropolitan state College of Denver. I just won a scholarship for my portfolio too! *high five* I’m also an active member of IDSA. Maybe we can bring someone in from Inhabitat to talk to the ID students?

First, I would be looking so very cool and ‘with it’ on new green trends if I sported this bag in my design classes. Green technology is very hot within the ID community right now. It would also provide me the perfect opportunity to tell my fellow students about how this company took green technology and made it into a viable (and cool) product. I hope to inspire them to design more with the environment in mind, and not just the economy. And, maybe show them, with this bag, that it’s possible to do both! Let’s get the message out there to the fresh, new minds about to hit the industrial design community!

Oh yah, and it’s function is very useful too. Those solar panels will get a LOT of use here in Colorado. We are very sunny. I can charge my phone while biking to school. How cool is that!? Or, I can charge….something while hiking in the mountains. I don’t usually bring my phone or mp3 player. But, I’m sure I’ll find something to charge with it.

Thanks for reading. Modesty aside, I hope I win!

becks3636August 27, 2009 at 9:47 am

Back to school, no back to Uni!
I’m back of to uni in London to do a Master’s in eco design and this green set of goodies will be absolutely perfect for me! And I definitely won’t have the money to buy it for myself.

I’m looking to change the future through green and thoughtful design and why not start with an awesome bag and stationary set! Pads for sketching and a bag to carry it all around in, and charge my phone!

Finger’s crossed.

Please please please!

Rebecca

PaTrondAugust 27, 2009 at 9:39 am

Hi!

I’m a first grade “design & architecture” student at high school(that doesn’t mean we’re educated architects when we get out, but we are qualified to continue in architecture and design).
Well, that’s not a problem, but it made a problem which was that we had to pay for all the extra equipment like pencils, special rulers, etc, but that’s still fine! ..except that I need a new bag to carry it in which I can’t afford if I would need something like that which I actually do since I also chose Japanese as an extra language after school.
This makes me travel a lot and have less time to recharge my mobile phone which doesn’t have the best battery, but also the camera I need to have with me when I’m going to get my projects into digital formats. The Japanese lessons are actually taken on a school for trading where the “rich” youth goes to with their “posh” cars! : ) What wouldn’t be better to say to them when they try to be arrogant than “I do at least care about the environment!” + take it with a smile and just walk away as you just don’t care what they say! Those bags looks very nice too so they can’t pick on me for that either. : )

The bag is also perfect because my A4 sketchbook and folders fits into it and I need them almost every day, having them in a stiffer bag than my backpack would also make the risk of folding papers(not sure what it’s called in English, but damaging papers is what I mean.) Although the public transport I take goes mostly underground there is still a lot of light, but I still have to walk in the streets most of the time as the public transport doesn’t go everywhere. One of those bags would make my 39(+travel and recess) hour a week of school-life a lot easier.

If you need to recharge your gadget on the travel, rather do it in an eco friendly way like those Noon bags does than doing it in your car! ; )

Regards from Norway and sorry for my lacking English knowledge ; )

sinequanonsarahAugust 27, 2009 at 8:45 am

I’m a PhD student whose patience with my department was recently tested when they moved my office from a lovely, window-with-a-view type to the only windowless office – known to other PhD students and faculty as “the cave.”

Given the inordinate amount of time I spend in this cave, my advisor has recently become concerned for my health. See, I hardly ever leave, and the lack of sunlight has started to impact my pallor, sense of time, and general overall well-being. Pair this with the fact that I live in the cave with three other people where there is just one singular source for electricity – things can get ugly.

Enter the Noon Solar bag, stuffed to the brim with valuable supplies that I usually have to steal from around campus: The Noon bag would encourage my presence outdoors, thereby alleviating the scourge of the cave. Without this bag, it is very feasible that I would die of rickets, or at the very least, become seriously injured in a tussle over a fight for the scant power resources available to me and my fellow cave dwellers.

In short, this is more than a contest for me – this is a chance at life-saving freedom. Please help me.

BohoeAugust 27, 2009 at 7:26 am

I live in Ireland. I must make the most of the minutes of sun we get!!

NioviAugust 27, 2009 at 5:44 am

I need to impress my new schoolmates! I might be older than them, but at least I am coooooool!

mr.charlieoAugust 27, 2009 at 4:52 am

I just moved to Copenhagen. Give me the bag, it’ll be the best marketing NoonSolar have ever had when I wear it to COP15. Plus it’ll go with the HyMini wind turbine on my bike and help me realise my dream of making Copenhagen’s 50% of commuters who cycle to school or work every day, the chicest, most beautiful power station the world has ever seen!

MinoAugust 27, 2009 at 4:17 am

I believe this would be great because I need a place to put my things to start off the school year with. Something that is attention grabbing and this invention is it! I love it!

jalienjaneAugust 27, 2009 at 4:05 am

I need one of these bags because there are Noon So lovely as these!

(also it would be exceptionally helpful and wonderful for the environment for me to be able to charge all my day to day items…….partly because I always forget to charge my phone over night and then it dies within two hours of me leaving the house!)

greenkelleenAugust 27, 2009 at 3:18 am

I am a single working mom, part-time librarian, and junior high/high school substitute teacher. My job requires me to travel to different sites on a daily basis, and I am known as the “bag lady” in the school buildings I frequent, because I carry my LIFE with me wherever I go — including books, lesson plans, lunch, and of course my laptop, cell phone, iPod, and iHome portable dock (music soothes the heart of the teenage beast…).

I am very eco-conscious, and always looking for ways to encourage my daughter — and my students – to do their part for the environment. Spending almost all of my waking moments with kids ages 13 – 18, I see on a daily basis what most impresses them and moves them to action; they respond to things that are high-tech, unusual, and inventive, and that have sleek good looks. The NoonSolar book bag is just such an entity. Just walking into a classroom and whipping my fully-charged laptop out of my distinctive NoonSolar bag would immediately spark enthusiastic discussions with my students about eco-friendly choices they can make.

Right now, this “bag lady” carries a battered reusable “green” shopping bag from Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Needless to say, it does not inspire spirited dialogue; I may get a taunt or two about my fashion sense, if anything. Just imagine the difference I could make – to my own life and the eco-consciousness of my students — by upgrading to the incredible NoonSolar bookbag!

huaracheAugust 27, 2009 at 2:38 am

I need the NoonSolar bag because I CAN’T LIVE IF LIVE IS WITHOUT IT.
and will use it to present my final work in architecture sustainable in sicilian university

ambntrvltnAugust 27, 2009 at 1:59 am

Well… this last year my budget was tight. I’d been re-using an old proton pack, but, as you may know, the thing weighs a ton. Furthermore, it looks like I’m carrying around an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on my back that may play video discs or an LP. A major complaint I have is that it’s, well… a bit out of style. Some things from the 80′s just haven’t had the chance to made a comeback yet. I’m sure it will soon though… at least that’s what I’ll tell myself if I don’t win this contest.

I really need something that can charge my gadgets and keep me at the pinnacle of being organized on a day-to-day basis. Though it’s cool to reuse what would otherwise be nuclear waste, I also don’t want to worry about my bag exploding if I drop it on the floor too hard.

In the end, I really need friends. It’s frowned on highly that I wear night vision goggles and a khaki jumpsuit to work with a cartoonish ghost on it. I never make it through the colleges metal detectors with out serious inquiries. … and the chicks… don’t find it impressive when I tell them what my degree is in (Ghost Busting).

roxioAugust 27, 2009 at 1:28 am

I think that if I win the eco bag could make me happier and will inspires me to finally finish my two thesis and get my architect degree, by the way, you can show that contest is international and if you’ll send it to South America (Peru) will be great for me

mkenjiAugust 27, 2009 at 12:12 am

I definitely need a NoonSolar bag because:

1. I’m majoring in Environmental Studies, so I have to know how it works, and
2. I’m living in Texas and many people here in Texas do not care about energy efficiency or global warming, so I would like Texans to know what the energy conservation and solar energy are, and…
3. I’m Japanese so I have to tell Japanese people how Americans care about environmental issues and what is happening here. I will let Japanese know how the NoonSolar bag works. So…
4. I can tell people both in Japan and Texas what the NoonSolar bag and how it works.

Thank you for this opportunity.

mikehaskewAugust 27, 2009 at 12:11 am

I’m a new grad student, and need help keeping my things charged through the work day and night school. Help me leave some power on the grid!

feste312August 27, 2009 at 12:03 am

At times, it can seem tough to go “green” if one doesn’t have the green to sustain such a lifestyle. However, I think I’ve managed to do a pretty good job of lightening my load on the environment without burdening my parents’ bank account. (I leave that burden to the titanic cost of my college education.) I buy my produce at a farmer’s market. When I drive, I drive a Prius. I stray from plastic bags. I take quick showers instead of stretching those morning minutes by belting out my favorite High School Musical songs. (After all, I could never do that in public. It would hurt the environment.) In other words, I do what I can.

With your help, I can do more. I’ve got soul, but I’m not solar. Let’s change that.

ABloomquistAugust 26, 2009 at 11:59 pm

When I finally purchased my iPod early last year, I was thrilled. I take that piece of electronics everywhere. I love music, discovering music, and sharing music. My iPod makes all of that possible. Since getting my iPod my consumption of television has drastically reduced. This would stay the same no matter what, but it would be great to further justify my iPod usage by being able to claim, “I use my iPod constantly, and charge it with clean and free energy.” And while my friends and I discuss music, I can charge up their items as well!

SumSolus86August 26, 2009 at 11:57 pm

The reasons why I need this bag are easily spelled out.

S-imply put, I live in the Valley of the Sun, (Phoenix, AZ) and where better to display the portability of Solar?
O-n the off chance I meet Al Gore at this year’s Greenbuild, I must represent!
L-ets not overlook the fact that I am an Architect and should be promoting these products to all of my clients and colleagues!
A-L GORE! and SHERYL CROW! That is surely worth repeating!
R-emember that Phoenix, currently does not have a large amount of solar plants! A travesty that should be combated on every conceivable level!

So there you have it my reasons even spell SOLAR.

spacemak3rsAugust 26, 2009 at 11:50 pm

I NEED THE BAG SO THAT I CAN OPEN UP AN I PHONE / IPOD MOBILE CHARGING STAND , THAT WAY I CANT EARN MONEY AND BUY MORE BOOKS ^_^

THE BAG SURELY MAKE THE LADIES OOHH AND AAAHHH ,

JUST LOVE IT PLEASE GIVE ME ONE ^_^

LSAugust 26, 2009 at 11:39 pm

Well, I am a green architect with a non green non-architect husband and a 4 year old partly green daughter. Since I rejected my huby’s leather bag gift last birthday, I have changed 3 jute bags as they didnt last and I couldnt afford a durable expensive one (I am underpaid but work for the sake of green)

My first building will be commissioned in December and it is expected to be a Leed Platinum building. I would consider this as an appreciation of whatever Green I have been working, walking, talking and fighting for!

Oh! When I get the bag, I will keep it, Will give away the notebooks to my husband and freinds, who will brag about it when they use it (10 new people will get the hang of green), and my daughter will take the pencils and erasers with her to school, along with the green message. And about me, with or without bag, I will eat and sleep green

2advanced1August 26, 2009 at 11:28 pm

When me and the noonSolar bag exchanged looks over the sunny and bright computer screen I knew it wanted me and desired me just as much as I did. No it wasn’t an infatuation, it was an inhabitat feeling, you wouldn’t understand. The bag’s simple and elegant features, truly nature’s work of art. I have to say I’ve never wanted anything more than this. The bag I can wake up with and soak the morning rays and look at and say I love you. When I commute to school or work on my bike, it will be hugging my back throughout it all. It will carry all my stuff and wouldn’t say a word. When everything stops working for me, the bag will take in ‘charge’ and make it all work, I love that quality in a bag! When everybody looks at my noonSolar, they will wish they had a sol-mate like mine. Right now you’re in sight, I really need you so I can hold you tight!

ChristianAceAugust 26, 2009 at 11:13 pm

My house burned down and my dad died of cancer last year. (both are true and caught your attention)

Inhabitat- Gents, Madams,

Look no further. Ok, a lil further because I would like you to at least read my comment, but definitely STOP after mine. You are basically wasting time and effort.

Sustainability, I am honored to be apart of the generation that can change the world. In 2005 I had the pleasure of going to a far off land called Papua New Guinea. Gosh I wish you call could go, these people live off of so little. Most still live in dirt floor huts but even the ones able to have houses still buy food from the market where food is just laid out on blankets or giant banana leaves. Experiencing this lifestyle for 6 weeks changed my view of the way a lot of us live. Over the last few years I have become more and more interested in the field.
Side note I did swim Alcatraz Sharkfest, got hypothermia but made it the whole way!
Last May 5th my house burned down. Yup, you heard it. And just 3 months later my father passed away after battling cancer for almost 3 years. After these two things I really had very little left. Especially after the loss of the house and almost everything I realized that we do have Affluenza. We collect and buy crap because it makes us “happy”. Well just two days ago I started school at a brand new one-of-a-kind school called the Global Institute of Sustainability(GIOS). Oh ya and my girlfriend totaled my car in January and I lost my job and was not able to land another one for 5 months. So I am way more green for that because I now bike and use what very little mass transit Arizona has. Well the GIOS is a school at Arizona State University that is considered by many one of the Greenest schools in the nation. I am a freshman in this very important field. I need green and eco school supplies to get more and more of our students to see and believe in the things we and you are trying to do. We only need 5-10% of people to make the change major. ASU has about 50k students a day on their campuses. I would love to influence the 600 we have in undergraduate Sustainability as well as the rest of the school. I have very little and I am broke even though I work very hard at work and school. I need to start being greener and need to power my 5 year old cellphone when I am out and my laptop for school, and I need recycled school supplies because right now all I have is what I was given at freshman orientation, and my backpack is a very old Jansport which is rad but not nearly as rad as that Noon Sawyer. Haha. And I want to look good doing it. And it would be great cuz I actually want to name my kid Sawyer, or Rogue Danger but the misses is not a fan of that one.

Well you guys keep it real and I love this site. I have spread the word to all I know because I think so much of the stuff on here is important and gives people hope that there are sustainable ways to do things. WHOOP!

-Joshua McKnight

nansageAugust 26, 2009 at 10:52 pm

I work at a small (small!) public library and this would be the coolest bag for us to have to give away to a student patron, we are looking for ways to get more teens back to the library for resources, books, computers, learning, etc. Please pick me!

BettyKAugust 26, 2009 at 10:52 pm

This bag would totally save my butt… every time my wife calls the Blackberry its dead, and consequently I have some ‘splaining to do… so the Noon Solar will keep me charged and keep her from thinking I’m having a “Noon(sol)ar”.. see what I did there?

Plus, this bag is uber-sweet, green as relish, and would make me the coolest cat on the block.

And when I rock that bad boy at ASLA next month, all the peeps will be green with envy… Booya!

taikonaughtAugust 26, 2009 at 10:40 pm

I, of course, believe that it should be me who is granted this super-bag for an array of reasons. The most pressing of which being that gaffa tape can no longer mend the problems with my current bag… it’s time to let go.
I am a product design student, so while it is being a good bag for me, simply having it will be good publicity for NoonSolar and Inhabitat, as I will be rubbing shoulders with industry professionals and design big-wigs. Yay!
I take my environmental responsibility seriously, to the extent that I walk to school and back every day which is over an hour round trip. The school happens to be in Sydney, Australia, a city renowned for its long hours of sunshine, so if you think about it, it is perfect for me… Unless the competition is open only to US residents, in which case I will be sad.

The SailermanAugust 26, 2009 at 10:23 pm

On any given day, I can be found in the student lounge when I’m not in class, usually from 10 am until 7 pm, and sometimes as late as 10 pm. The lounge is very nice, as it was just opened about 2 years ago. However, in their infinite wisdom, whoever designed the room decided that 6 power outlets was enough for a room used by an average of 50 students at a time – many on their computers.

If I have an early class, I might be lucky enough to score an outlet. But once I have to leave for my next class, I can give up all hope of getting one when I come back. So while my computer’s battery will last me between 3 and 5 hours, once it dies, it’s not getting charged until I get back to my dorm.

So once my computer’s battery is dead, I have to use my iPhone for web browsing and getting other work done. Of course, the battery on that has already been drained a bit, since I use it to listen to music and podcasts while walking to campus in the morning and between classes.

So how do I keep my phone charged, with no outlets and a dead computer? Well, the one great feature of the lounge is the huge windows (almost floor to ceiling), which allow sunlight to pour into the room for most of the day (though the glare forces me to increase my computer’s screen brightness, which makes the battery die even faster). If I had a NoonSolar bag, I could place the bag in the window, plug my iPhone in, and still listen to music & surf the web between classes!

Plus, I’ve found that when working in a group on a project, people are always finding that their cell phone or iPod’s battery is dying, but again, there are no available outlets because out computers are all plugged in. I could let them plug into my bag!

And of course, I’m a poor college student and my current bag is falling apart. But then again, what college/grad student ISN’T poor?

I am always inspired by Eco-Friendly products, specially solar products like Solar Rechargeable Flashlight, Solar Ovens, Water Heaters. I am amazed that Eco-Friendly Bags are also available. I really did not know that. After reading this post when i searched i found that we can also have Solar Safari Cooling Hats today. That is great. I love these products. Look forward to when these products will become a part and parcel of our lives in the future. Surely they are the future.

I want to win this innovative bag to show my friends and for keeping my Laptop.

Umar

treebarkqueenAugust 26, 2009 at 10:12 pm

As an artist of Recycled, Reclaimed and Reused Lightning Struck Tree Art, ranging from wall sconces to floor lamps and everything in between! I utilize all aspects of the tree including leaves – My over all goal is to use what most would consider compost or worse yet trash.

Love your planet – win or not, your site is very inspirational.

Thanks for the chance, Brittany Paige of Bark by Brittany

lderooyAugust 26, 2009 at 9:56 pm

I would like a solar bag. I would give it to my friend who lives in Cambodia and often spends weeks away from electricity.

lderooyAugust 26, 2009 at 9:51 pm

I would like a solar bag because I want to give it to my friend who lives in Cambodia and often spends weeks away from electricity.

CadeRageousAugust 26, 2009 at 9:50 pm

WOW! I absolutely NEED (to win!) a new NoonSolar bag for my back to school routine.

Why, you might ask? Because I’m a solar-powered sun worshipping trend setter, yet I am smart enough to know that being conscious of my actions affects both me down the line as well as my wonderful Earth. Though I adore soaking in the sun rays, I never go out without a black tea based sun screen (I’m a greenie, after all) and appropriate (and natural) protective clothing.

But a guy’s got to jam to my tunes while I do homework in the park. Right? With my environmentally friendly choices in school supplies and solar powered source of charging power for my music player, I can rock on through till next summer, harming as little of the Earth as I can. My brain won’t gain knowledge on its own, but with my kind conscience and understanding of how I can do my small part, I can continue to set trends, while minimizing my impact.

(PLUS the black messenger bag looks awesome!)

missameredithAugust 26, 2009 at 9:48 pm

Oh boy would I just love to have one of these bags! I saw them showcased on inhabitat a little over a year ago (I think it was that far back?) and just melted. I’m a college art student who bikes all over my little city because I don’t have a car, and with all of the traveling and constant shuffling of cargo, both technology and art related, I could certainly use a little help to charge my laptop, cell, or my ipod because I never seem to be able to stop to do it! I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible by recycling EVERYTHING, using energy efficient light bulbs, unplugging things, growing my own little garden, buying locally, buying used clothing- I even made a wedding dress constructed out of recycled bridesmaid dresses for an art show! I’ve yet to delve into solar power and this would be the perfect opportunity! I just hope I’d be able to fit it on top of the pile in my bike baskets!

I’m sure I’d find a way.

sagegAugust 26, 2009 at 9:44 pm

I don’t want to be a vampire, so I need something that requires the sun.

I’m just about ready for school
And winning this bag would be cool!
We go back next week
I must be Eco-Chic
I so want this Noon Solar jewel!

The bag is chock-full of supplies
To win would be such a surprise!
This poem is for you
It’s the best I can do
So Thank You, let’s say our goodbyes!

piepieAugust 26, 2009 at 9:40 pm

I’ll admit it. My back to school routine consists of keeping my two year old occupied between dropping his big sister off and picking her up from kindergarten. There is a lot of walking and running and climbing involved in this, as well as reading and listening to music. Spontaneous dance parties are a thing of joy and certainly easier to accomplish when you have a way to ensure your iPod is fully charged and ready for action. NoonSolar’s gorgeous bags could hold a ton of diapers, snacks, books, and any number of gadgets while harnessing the one good thing about living in the middle of Kansas- constant sunshine. I am partial to the Cortland and the Elston.

My husband would like to use it to power up carving tools on his annual art school alumni trip to Horn Island in the gulf of Mississippi; that’s his back to school routine, literally!

PancakepoppleAugust 26, 2009 at 9:35 pm

As a recently finished AmeriCorps Alum (1 month ago :-),Currently Unemployed, heading back to graduate school vegetarian and Inhabitat reader I want, no scratch that I need this set. I just moved to Washington DC to pursue my dream(s) of becoming an expert in Media and Communications and this set will help me do just that. I have absolutely no job yet, but I’ve interviewed for a grand total of 6 times, and heading on to more interviews this week. So Inhabitat by giving me this set you will a. make my dreams of having new possessions come true (if any of you have done AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps you know what I’m talking about). b. help me stay green on the zero budget I have (I’m working on the job really..I just got work-study!!!).

Reasons why this set will save me in graduate school: Number 1. The solar powered bag will help me keep up to date with all the latest news while I sit outside in the DC heat during study breaks (I’m a New Englander it is hot down here) and read the news on my ipod touch. It could also be used for much needed naps as an over the face pillow outside, and will thus be producing energy while I sleep (at least something will be doing work).

2. I currently have 1 notebook, it is all I could afford to buy. So with all the notebooks and pen I could have a personalized one for each of my 3 classes…That is impressive, and will help me get good grades in graduate school.

3, I can lie to my parents and tell them I bought the set myself after winning the lottery or something, so they will no longer have to badger me about money and my job search

These reasons are enough for me to win. Please help me, survive grad school, convince my parents that I have a job or won the lottery or something to afford these things, and help keep me green!

cdziubaAugust 26, 2009 at 9:33 pm

Signed up for the Inhabitat newsletter – Yes cdziuba@aol.com
Signed up to follow on Twitter (cdziuba) and Facebook (Carol P Dziuba)

Ode to the Noon Solar Bag

I’m just about ready for school
And winning this bag would be cool!
We go back next week
I must be Eco-Chic
And carry this Noon Solar jewel!

The bag is chock full of supplies
To win would be such a surprise!
I hope you can see
That bag is for me!
So thank you, let’s say our goodbyes!

I think that I should definitely win this NoonSolar tote bag! First and foremost, I cannot maintain my mediocrity any longer and really need to spruce up my school and show them what’s up; with solar powered bags. My school is chalk full of students who, err, for lack of a better word, are completely moronic. They cast a blind eye towards the Green movement and basically like to punch Mother Nature in the face with their large trucks and gas guzzling tanks. I refuse to grow up and be one of the people with a ‘Save the Earth’ bumper sticker on my Hummer, and I am trying to help my class in the same. With this bag (as well as eco-friendly school supplies) I can explain to them the beauty of eco-friendly living, while looking super dashing with my sweet bag. I can already see them being green with envy (nice pun). Not only that, but I’m trying to change multiple aspects of my life and these supplies will just further my process. I’m definitely guilty of harboring vampire electronics and I tend to keep my plug-ins plugged in 24/7. With this bag, not only will I be able to unplug myself from the wall, but I will be able to keep myself tuned into my podcasts and music all throughout the day, while HELPING! I can’t see it getting much better than that. I also ditched my car this year (RIP) and started cycling everywhere, but the giant clunker-of-a-saddle-bag that I have now doesn’t fit my mode of transportation quite like this NoonSolar bag would. I really intend on making this school year a wonderful and eco-friendly one, especially with your help! I really hope you keep me and my less-than-reputable class in mind when picking a winner for your contest! Thank you, Inhabitat!

chicagosarahAugust 26, 2009 at 9:09 pm

I deserve this prize because I have had my eye on a NoonSolar bag for the LONGEST time and have never come even close to being able to afford one!!! Such a perfect mix of great mix of form + function… super sleek, gorgeous and brilliant! I’m a huge proponent of living a smart, sustainable life and would love to wear it on my shoulder every day! Also, it seems like my ipod is ALWAYS dead when I need to listen to some of my favorites…this bag is the solution to my problem Please pick me!!!

rscottAugust 26, 2009 at 8:55 pm

Because my flux capacitor only charges my iPhone whilst in the car.

mlaanAugust 26, 2009 at 8:55 pm

I need the NoonSolar bag because I love tech and I need a laptop bag. PLEEEEASE

mlaanAugust 26, 2009 at 8:54 pm

I need the NoonSolar bag because I love tech and need a laptop bag. PLEEEASE

HanaNordinAugust 26, 2009 at 8:38 pm

Here are my 10 REASONS as to WHY I absolutely NEED a NoonSolar bag!

1. I am a Design (Architectural) student, whois also,
2. Specialising in Sustainability studies, which means,
3. I am concerend about everything Architecture+Design, and
4. The environmental impacts I will have in the future landscape, which means,
5. I should be “walking & WEARING the talk”, and,
6. I can certainly do with the help of a portable/mobile Solar energy on me, literally,
7. In order to drive home my message AND concerns to those around me, but most importantly,
8. I can charge my iPod & cell on the go without leaving any carbon footprint, and
9. Be in time for my classes, and of course, obviously,
10. I can’t afford to pay for a $400+ worth of new bag!

The answer couldn’t be more obvious can it? I HAVE TO WIN THIS. I MUST. It’s everything I need!

kyleschaperAugust 26, 2009 at 8:20 pm

I live in Florida! a solar powered bag just makes sense…

simondowneyAugust 26, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Wow, this is awesome.

That solar bag is awesome. I can’t get through a day of classes without my iPhone dying from managing all my classes/assignments.